Frank Capra's classic comedy-drama established James Stewart as a lead actor in one of his finest (and most archetypal) roles. The film opens as a succession of reporters shout into telephones announcing the death of Senator Samuel… MoreFrank Capra's classic comedy-drama established James Stewart as a lead actor in one of his finest (and most archetypal) roles. The film opens as a succession of reporters shout into telephones announcing the death of Senator Samuel Foley. Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains), the state's senior senator, puts in a call to Governor Hubert "Happy" Hopper (Guy Kibbee) reporting the news. Hopper then calls powerful media magnate Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold), who controls the state -- along with the lawmakers. Taylor orders Hopper to appoint an interim senator to fill out Foley's term; Taylor has proposed a pork barrel bill to finance an unneeded dam at Willet Creek, so he warns Hopper he wants a senator who "can't ask any questions or talk out of turn." After having a number of his appointees rejected, at the suggestion of his children Hopper nominates local hero Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), leader of the state's Boy Rangers group. Smith is an innocent, wide-eyed idealist who quotes Jefferson and Lincoln and idolizes Paine, who had known his crusading editor father. In Washington, after a humiliating introduction to the press corps, Smith threatens to resign, but Paine encourages him to stay and work on a bill for a national boy's camp. With the help of his cynical secretary Clarissa Sanders (Jean Arthur), Smith prepares to introduce his boy's camp bill to the Senate. But when he proposes to build the camp on the Willets Creek site, Taylor and Paine force him to drop the measure. Smith discovers Taylor and Paine want the Willets Creek site for graft and he attempts to expose them, but Paine deflects Smith's charges by accusing Smith of stealing money from the boy rangers. Defeated, Smith is ready to depart Washington, but Saunders, whose patriotic zeal has been renewed by Smith, exhorts him to stay and fight. Smith returns to the Senate chamber and, while Taylor musters the media forces in his state to destroy him, Smith engages in a climactic filibuster to speak his piece: "I've got a few things I want to say to this body. I tried to say them once before and I got stopped colder than a mackerel. Well, I'd like to get them said this time, sir. And as a matter of fact, I'm not gonna leave this body until I do get them said." ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is going to be the big movie explosion of the year, and reviewers are going to think twice and think sourly before they'll want to put it down for the clumsy and irritating thing it is.

Frank Capra's tale of an idealistic, yonug junior senator's revelation about, (and subsequent revolution against) Washington's rampant corruption… MoreFrank Capra's tale of an idealistic, yonug junior senator's revelation about, (and subsequent revolution against) Washington's rampant corruption is among his finest (and most typical) works.
This film is easily one of the cornerstones for stories about the pure hero standing up for truth, justice, and the little guy, no matter how daunting the opposition and odds of success. It's cliched with how heartwarming and feel good, and unsurprising it all is, but nevertheless is a very great film.
Jimmy Stewart cemented his status as a legend his, and this is one of his best and archetypical roles. He really brings the feverish determination of his everyman hero to life and delivers a great guy you can't help but root for. Supporting him are notable names like Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, and Edward Arnold, among others, all of whom deliver some strong performances.
The writing is sharp, the direction strong, and the cinematography and editing are pretty top notch, especially for the time. And of course, the message is quite timeless and still relevant.
All in all, this is one of the greats. It's overly simplistic, sentimental, and idealistic, but we do need films like this, and I will always defend Capra and his work for this reason, even if I don't want to watch this sort of thing all the time.

Jameson Worley

A classic film, among the all-time best. Perfect and timeless.
The ending is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes. Powerful, almost depressing...you… MoreA classic film, among the all-time best. Perfect and timeless.
The ending is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes. Powerful, almost depressing...you forget it's a movie. Jimmy Stewart gives an astounding performance, also one of my favorite performances in a movie.
Nominated for 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director Frank Capra, and Best Actor James Stewart.

Daniel Perry

A classic, as expected, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells of a relative simpleton who becomes a Senator. The Senate expects to be able to prey upon his… MoreA classic, as expected, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells of a relative simpleton who becomes a Senator. The Senate expects to be able to prey upon his naivete, caught up in his high-flown ideals as he is, but what they don't count on is his determination to stand up for what he believes until he can (literallly) stand no more. Jimmy Stewart shines in what's commonly thought to be his defining role, and he does his best work in the famous scene the film spends its duration building up to: the filibuster.
In this film, Frank Capra may have taught future filmakers how to tell a sweeping, populist epic. Fast cuts and montages carry much of the action, and as opposed to today's films, in which these are jarring or provide opportunities to slip out for more popcorn, when used correctly these devices can actually keep the story moving, and build intensity and emotional support for the protagonist.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is not a perfect film, however. It's important to keep in mind that Jean Arthur (who played Saunders) was billed ahead of Stewart on the marquee. This is the only way I can explain away the sequence in which she gets drunk with fellow staffer Diz (Thomas Moore) - Capra had to give the people (the men in the audience) what they wanted, a perfect floozie moment for an otherwise strong - too strong for the time? - female lead.
My second complaint about the film is that the ending is all too tidy. Without spoiling it completely, suffice to say that someone's conscience eventually gets the better of him, which makes him give in. As I make this complaint, though, I'm reminded of how I came to even know of this film (as a child): via the provocatively titled Simpsons episode Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington, in which she wins an essay contest and, upon arriving in the capital, stumbles on and exposes her senator's corrupt dealings. Story of my generation, though: we are, compared to movie audiences in 1939, incredibly cynical by comparison. We have witnessed the rise of patently evil tycoons and politicians, and we don't anticipate that they will ever go down quietly, lying and cheating and hiding till the bitter end. In 1939, I think this was a plausible ending - Mr. Smith appealed to a commonly understood sense of decency in pleading his case. The very fact that I make this complaint, 70 years later, may prove precisely what Mr. Smith argued: "How am I to go back home and tell these boys liberty and equality are all a load of hooey?" he asks. Unfortunately, even before my generation was raised on the Simpsons, the average citizen, due to repeat scandal and breech of trust in public office, has walked away believing exactly that. For this reason, Mr. Smith is a film relevant to its moment, and one that is certainly not without import to our own.

Conner Rainwater

Just a great movie, there's no way you can't appreciate the bravery this had in showing a corrupt US government. James Stewart always seems to find… MoreJust a great movie, there's no way you can't appreciate the bravery this had in showing a corrupt US government. James Stewart always seems to find himself at home with Frank Capra, using the strengths he carried as an actor. No one else plays an earnest nice guy like him. Claude Rains, Thomas Mitchell, etc. Supporting casts don't get any stronger than that. It's beautifully shot and has great direction from Frank Capra, it's a near perfect movie.

Carlos Magalh„es

James Stewart and Jean Arthur are amazing in this magnificent political drama, a film that is still relevant with regard to corruption and our powerless… MoreJames Stewart and Jean Arthur are amazing in this magnificent political drama, a film that is still relevant with regard to corruption and our powerless indignation - reflected in an idealistic young Senator who boldly demands honor from the ones betraying their vows in Washington.

Jay Hutchinson

Still today we have problems with the lies rampant throughout our political system, but this film gives us hope. We can create a more perfect union by… MoreStill today we have problems with the lies rampant throughout our political system, but this film gives us hope. We can create a more perfect union by nominating and electing those who actually understand what this nation is all about. People like the eponymous Mr. Smith are who we need to look to elect. He epitomizes what this nation should be all about--democracy, freedom from corruption, and freedom of the press. A fabulous film.

AJ Verser

Great actors, great director, and a great movie. Unfortunately there haven't been any men in the government like Mr. Smith since this movie. This is a… MoreGreat actors, great director, and a great movie. Unfortunately there haven't been any men in the government like Mr. Smith since this movie. This is a must see movie for people who like political stories.

Jennifer D

Heartbreaking and inspiring. I think Jimmy Stewart was excellently cast for this because he portrayed it just so well from a starry-eyed kid to a… MoreHeartbreaking and inspiring. I think Jimmy Stewart was excellently cast for this because he portrayed it just so well from a starry-eyed kid to a pushed-to-insanity man. The story was shrewd and flowed really well as I expected it to. It's a harsh and unfortunately, a fairly honest look at US politics and it's very clear why it's such an amazing classic.

Graham Jones

I could watch this movie a million times and still get chills when he won't yield. The only film I really feel like deserves a standing ovation when the… MoreI could watch this movie a million times and still get chills when he won't yield. The only film I really feel like deserves a standing ovation when the credits roll.

Thomas Johnston

The night before elections.... everyone should watch this movie and ask....am I voting for a Mr. Smith or Senator Paine. I was naive before watching this… MoreThe night before elections.... everyone should watch this movie and ask....am I voting for a Mr. Smith or Senator Paine. I was naive before watching this movie. I taught that a corrupt Washington D.C. was a recent event happening only during my life time, not realizing Congress was almost as corrupt in 1939 as I see it now. EXCELLENT movie and still relevant 71 years later.

Spencer S.

The basis for any film about the guy who stood up to corruption, James Stewart proves his iconic status, memorable voice, and sheer presence and strength.

xGary Xx

A fresh faced and idealistic young man is elected to the US senate, but when he finds that he is meant to be nothing more than a puppet of big business… MoreA fresh faced and idealistic young man is elected to the US senate, but when he finds that he is meant to be nothing more than a puppet of big business interests he tries to buck the system from within. The part Jimmy Stewart was born to play, he is perfect as the optimistic everyman who is shocked by the reality of the political system. In this day and age of political spin, Frank Capra's trademark rose-tinting looks terribly naive, but characters such as Claude Rains' ex-idealist who learned to "play ball" and the cold hearted fatcat Edward Arnold, manipulating democracy for his own selfish ends still feel extremely familiar. This is one of those rooting for the little guy stories that makes you switch off your world weary cynicism and believe that the good guys can win, for a couple of hours anyway. Add some fantastic support from Jean Arthur and Thomas Mitchell (one of the many faces you will recognise from It's A Wonderful Life) as the wise-cracking, seen-it-all-before duo that are won over by Stewart's unshakable belief in the decency of the common man and you have one of the few films about the American political system that doesn't act as instant anaesthesia.